At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead software engineering teams to evolve platform architecture and enhance product delivery.
- Company: Established UK tech company with millions of users and a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £160,000, bonus, hybrid work, and growth opportunities.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team at a pivotal moment of growth and transformation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of technology while driving impactful AI and data-driven initiatives.
- Qualifications: Strong architectural judgement and experience in scaling technology environments.
The predicted salary is between 120000 - 160000 £ per year.
A well-established UK tech company with millions of users is looking to appoint a Head of Software Engineering to shape the next phase of its platform evolution at a time of significant growth for the business. This is a senior leadership role focused on enabling product teams through strong architectural direction, modern platform capabilities and pragmatic technical strategy. Working closely with executive stakeholders across Product and Technology, the Head of Software Engineering will lead 7 teams evolving core domains and APIs that power multiple product teams, helping the organisation scale sustainably while increasing engineering velocity.
The Head of Software Engineering sits at the heart of platform strategy and engineering effectiveness. You will be responsible for building foundations that improve product throughput, reduce duplication and allow teams to experiment faster — while modernising legacy architecture through safe, incremental change. The business is investing heavily in AI and data-driven capabilities, and you will play a key role in embedding an AI-forward mindset into how platforms are built and operated.
Key Responsibilities:- Define and evolve platform architecture, core services, and shared domains used across product teams.
- Improve engineering throughput by simplifying systems and reducing complexity as the organisation scales.
- Lead the incremental evolution of monolithic systems into modern, flexible architectures.
- Partner with senior leadership to communicate technical trade-offs in clear, business-focused language.
- Enable growth across users, teams, and product lines through scalable platform design.
- Foster a high-agency culture focused on measurable outcomes rather than process overhead.
- Support the adoption of AI capabilities across the engineering ecosystem.
- Strong architectural judgement with hands-on technical credibility.
- Experience building or evolving platforms within scaling technology environments.
- A growth-oriented mindset, viewing technology decisions through a commercial and product lens.
- Confidence operating at executive level, influencing senior stakeholders with clarity and pragmatism.
- A strategic thinker who understands how platform choices shape long-term product capability and delivery speed.
- A leader who challenges assumptions, makes difficult decisions and operates close to the work.
- Platform improvements directly increase engineering velocity and product delivery.
- Growth in teams and users does not create disproportionate technical complexity.
- Architectural modernisation that happens safely and incrementally.
- Technical decisions are transparent and grounded in measurable outcomes.
- Executive stakeholders clearly understand trade-offs and direction.
This is an amazing opportunity for a technically strong Head of Software Engineering to join a well-established technology at a moment of exciting growth. Please reply with your CV or call Simon for more details.
Head of Software Engineering employer: Burns Sheehan
Burns Sheehan offers an exceptional work environment in Oxford, where innovation meets collaboration. As a Platform Engineer, you will not only tackle unique engineering challenges but also benefit from a culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With access to cutting-edge technology and a commitment to making a visible impact in the robotics field, this role provides a rewarding opportunity for those looking to thrive in a high-growth technology landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Software Engineering
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the tech industry, especially those who work at companies you're interested in. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to platform evolution and product engineering. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable with articulating your experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, share examples of how you've led teams through architectural changes or improved engineering processes. This will highlight your fit for a senior role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Software Engineering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of Software Engineering role. Highlight your architectural judgement and experience in evolving platforms, as these are key to what we’re looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this position. Share your growth-oriented mindset and how you’ve influenced senior stakeholders in previous roles. This is your chance to show us your strategic thinking!
Showcase Your Technical Credibility:In your application, don’t shy away from discussing your hands-on technical experience. We want to see how you've tackled complex systems and made decisions that improved engineering throughput. Be specific about your achievements!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Burns Sheehan
✨Know Your Architecture
Make sure you have a solid understanding of platform architecture and how it impacts product delivery. Be ready to discuss your past experiences in evolving platforms and simplifying systems, as this will show your hands-on technical credibility.
✨Speak Their Language
When discussing technical trade-offs, use clear, business-focused language. This will help you connect with executive stakeholders and demonstrate your ability to influence decisions at a senior level.
✨Show Your Growth Mindset
Highlight your growth-oriented mindset by sharing examples of how you've viewed technology decisions through a commercial lens. Discuss how you've enabled teams to experiment faster while managing complexity.
✨Emphasise Measurable Outcomes
Be prepared to talk about how your architectural decisions have led to measurable improvements in engineering velocity and product delivery. This will showcase your strategic thinking and ability to drive results.
